We are thrilled to continue our artist talk series Outside|In this spring with another conversation that highlights new public art around Arlington. Our previous talk was with Alex Cook, the artist who created the YOU ARE LOVED mural in Arlington Heights. On Saturday May 11 from 4-6 pm we will host a talk with the three artists who created the new banners for the Friends & Neighbors: Arlington Stories project, on view now on Mass Ave near Arlington Center. The banners, created by local artists Sonya Quinlan-Khan, Molly Scannell, and TJ Reynolds, feature Arlington residents who play an important role in the lives of the artists. Read more about the project below and see a preview of some of the work on display.
The Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture and the Arlington Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion invited artists Sonya Quinlan-Khan, Molly Scannell, and TJ Reynolds to explore some of Arlington’s diverse stories. Each artist created three portraits responding to the theme of “Friends & Neighbors” for display on lightpole banners in Arlington Center, choosing their own subjects.
The result – Friends & Neighbors: Arlington Stories – showcases people who are significant in the artists’ lives in Arlington: teachers, small business owners, musicians, community leaders, relatives, all essential to the fabric of our community. Molly, TJ and Sonya’s representations of their neighbors, each done in a style entirely their own, come together to remind us that though we look through different eyes, we are all intimately connected and each of us brings something worthy to our collective endeavor of building community.
In an age of polarization and isolation, now is the time to listen and hold each others’ stories. Art reminds us that this capacity is within us, if we can only slow down long enough to pay attention, and suspend our judgment to see with clear eyes. Let these banners brightly displayed on our flagpoles awaken you to the complex web of stories we all carry. Allow yourself to wonder about your neighbor, to appreciate who they are and all they have done, extend that same curiosity and gratitude to yourself, and Arlington will truly be a place of friends and neighbors.
The banners will be on view from mid-April through May 30, 2024. Many thanks to Nilou Moochhala, who designed our title banners and managed the printing process.